BA-0811: Community Scale Evaluation—Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell Westford House

Abstract:

The goal of this project was to create a home with a high R-value enclosure, a right-sized mechanical system, energy efficient lighting, appliances, windows and doors, and also have the possibility of adding site-generated power at some point in the future. To ensure that solar-generated power could be successfully installed, the house was sited with a large south facing sloped roof. The high R-value enclosure was achieved through 4” of rigid foaminsulation on the interior of the basement walls, the exterior of the stud walls and on top of the roof rafters. Many details (in particular, window and door installation) needed to be developed in order to ensure Habitat’s volunteer labor could successfully implement the critical water management and air barrier details.

1. 18 Williams Ave, Westford, MA & 130 North Road, Bedford, MA

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 Project Overview

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell bought the land on which to build the Westford House from the Town of Westford for $1. Since acquiring that land, the nonprofit organization has worked with Building Science Corporation (BSC), the community, as well as many manufacturers, distributors and donors in the effort to create a comfortable, healthy, durable, and energy efficient single family home. See Figure 1.1 for an image from the Dedication Ceremony that took place at the Westford House on October 5th, 2008.

This home is part of a scattered site community that includes seven houses that are to be built in Bedford, MA. These other seven homes, along with a farmhouse retrofit and a home in another community will provide affordable housing for a total of 10 families. All of the homes will have enclosure and mechanical specifications similar to the Westford House. However, since the other homes have not yet started construction, the analysis presented in this report refers only to the Westford House.

Figure 1.1: Dedication ceremony at 18 Williams Ave. in Westford

The Westford House’s plans and specifications were designed and developed by architects and engineers at BSC. See below for exterior and interior photos and the drawing set included in the Appendices section.

The goal of this project was to create a home with a high R-value enclosure, a right-sized mechanical system, energy efficient lighting, appliances, windows and doors, and also have the possibility of adding site-generated power at some point in the future. To ensure that solar-generated power could be successfully installed, the house was sited with a large south facing sloped roof. The high R-value enclosure was achieved through 4" of rigid foaminsulation on the interior of the basement walls, the exterior of the stud walls and on top of the roof rafters. Many details (in particular, window and door installation) needed to be developed in order to ensure Habitat's volunteer labor could successfully implement the critical water management and air barrier details. See the figures below for construction photos showing the window installation with 4" of rigid foam.

Not only is the Westford House part of the Building America Program, but it is also registered as part of the Builders Challenge. Habitat additionally sought third-party verification of their comfortable, healthy, durable and energy efficient home by seeking LEED for Homes Platinum certification as well as ENERGY STAR certification.

1.1.2. Project Information Summary Sheet

PROJECT SUMMARY

Company

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell

Company Profile

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell (HFHGL) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)organization that works to strengthen families and communities throughaffordable homeownership opportunities. HFHGL works in partnership withcorporations, like-minded community groups, faith-based organizations,and individual volunteers to develop communities with people in need bybuilding and renovating simple, decent, energy efficient, affordable homes.

Since its founding in 1991, HFHGL has built or renovated a total of 20homes in Billerica, Concord, Lowell, Reading, and Westford. To date,HFHGL's largest completed project was a 3-duplex, located at HarmonyWay in Lowell. HFHGL projects have placed more than 50 people intoquality housing.

The goal of the Westford House was to achieve a 40% whole house energy reduction relative to the Building America benchmark. Specifying and building a high R-value enclosure was integral in achieving this goal. This house is meant to serve as an example of how to build high R-value enclosures in cold climates.

1.2 Whole-House Performance and Systems Engineering

1.2.1. Energy Analysis Summary

With the enclosure and mechanical characteristics presented in Table 1.3 and Table 1.4, this plan achieves a performance level of 44.4% reduction relative to the Building America Benchmark. Note that this assumes the installation of a 14 SEER cooling system; without cooling, the savings are reduced to 44.1%.

Figure 1.9: Parametric energy simulations for Westford House

Table 1.1: Summary of End-Use Site-Energy

* Lighting end-use includes both interior and exterior lighting** This OA Ventilation energy consumption is for fan energy only,space conditioning is included in Space Heating and Cooling

Table 1.2: Summary of End-Use Source-Energy and Savings

Notes:The "Percent of End-Use" columns show how effective the prototype building is at reducing energy use in each end-use category.The "Percent of Total" columns show how the energy reduction in each end-use category contributes to the overall strategy. . .